Winter blues back at it
A survey has revealed which cities in the UK are the most miserable to live in, and one city has taken the crown.
It also found that more than four in 10 participants felt more depressed in January than in any other month.
And for this they blame poor weather and lack of daylight.
More than 2,000 Britons took part in the poll and they were asked how they’re doing in the winter months.
The survey, conducted by British Gas, has revealed that Norwich is the saddest city to live in the UK.
More than a quarter of residents in the East Anglian city say that they feel depressed in January.
The second spot was shared by Stoke and Swansea, with 24 per cent each respectively.
They are followed by Manchester (21%), Edinburgh (16%), Glasgow (16%), Oxford (16%), Bristol (15%), Plymouth (15%) and Cambridge (15%).
It appears that what makes one in four people feel low is the fact that warmer weather is still months away, while half of them said that this time of year makes them more irritable.
Several health issues have been linked to sun deprivation, such as disturbed sleep, obesity, depression and cancer.
The type of depression that is related to change in seasons is known as seasonal effective disorder (SAD).
According to scientists, this is probably caused by reduced exposure to sunlight in the winter, while changing light can also disrupt the circadian rhythm (the body clock), which can throw off various bodily functions such as appetite and mood.
“January is often one of the hardest months of the year for many people across the UK”, psychologist Dr Becky Spelman said.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder is linked to reduced exposure to natural light, which can affect the body’s internal clock and the hormones that regulate mood and sleep”.
“Even people who do not meet the criteria for SAD, often experience a milder version of the winter blues”, she added.
Spelman further argues that “this is not a sign of weakness. It is a very human response to environmental changes that are largely outside our control.”
“Spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even briefly, can also support mood and energy. Feeling physically warm, relaxed and safe can help regulate emotions and reduce stress”, she added.
“Simple comforts such as soft lighting, warm drinks and cosy spaces can have a real psychological impact.”
Other tips that Dr Spelman recommended include reducing “doom scrolling” on your phone, prioritising a regular bed time and sticking to a gentle daily routine.
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